A committee of advisers to the FDA unanimously voted on a proposal to simplify the nation's COVID-19 vaccination strategy. They recommend that future COVID-19 vaccines should be interchangeable, regardless of manufacturer, targeting the same viral strains. Additionally, they considered moving to an annual COVID vaccination schedule, akin to the flu vaccine, to streamline the process and eliminate the need for individuals to track their vaccination history. Click here for article.
The proposal aims to simplify vaccination efforts and make them less confusing to encourage more people to get vaccinated.
Only 15% of people in the U.S. have received the latest bivalent COVID booster, highlighting the need for a more effective vaccination strategy.
The committee suggested holding public meetings to guide the selection of strains in the vaccines, similar to the process for the flu vaccine.
There may be a need for more frequent meetings given the rapid pace of changes in the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The FDA's proposal includes offering a single shot in the fall for most people, while older individuals, young children, and those with compromised immune systems may be offered multiple shots spaced apart.
Comentários